US8474836B2 - Stroller and handle height adjusting mechanism thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A handle height adjusting mechanism includes: a coupling member disposed on a handle tube of a stroller; an actuating member disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to the coupling member for driving movement thereof; an engaging member connected to the coupling member; and a resilient member coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, where the engaging member engages the selected positioning hole to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the engaging member is removed from the selected positioning hole so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/140,891, filed on Dec. 26, 2008 and Chinese Application Serial No. 200910160937.4, filed on Jul. 31, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a handle of a stroller, more particularly to a stroller and a handle height adjusting mechanism thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

A handle height adjusting mechanism is normally provided in a stroller for a user to adjust the height of a handle tube relative to a frame tube to which the handle tube is coupled.

A conventional handle height adjusting mechanism is disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. 1772546A, in which an engaging pin is driven to engage and disengage from an engaging hole by a cam groove. However, this design will cause friction on the adjusting frame within an upper tube of the stroller, laborious effort is required by the user when adjusting the height of the handle tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a handle height adjusting mechanism that is relatively simple in design, that is relatively easy to operate, and that facilitates control at a distance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle height adjusting mechanism that generates less friction between elements during operation, and that requires less effort to operate.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stroller, whose handle height adjusting mechanism is relatively simple in structure and relatively easy to operate, facilitates control at a distance, and has elements with minimal friction during operation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle height adjusting mechanism for a stroller. The stroller includes a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, and a handle tube that extends movably relative to the frame tube. The handle height adjusting mechanism includes a coupling member, an actuating member, an engaging member, and a resilient member. The coupling member is adapted to be disposed on the handle tube. The actuating member is adapted to be disposed movably on the handle tube, and is coupled to the coupling member for driving movement of the coupling member. The engaging member is connected to the coupling member. The resilient member is coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, where the engaging member is adapted to engage the selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.

Preferably, the coupling member is adapted to be pivoted to the handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the resilient member is a torsion spring having two ends that are respectively adapted to be connected to the handle tube and the coupling member.

Preferably, the engaging member is pivoted to the coupling member.

Preferably, the engaging member is formed with a groove defined by two teeth, and the coupling member has a protrusion that is disposed movably in the groove.

Preferably, the actuating member includes a control element adapted to be mounted slidably to the handle tube, and a connecting cable adapted to be disposed within the handle tube and connected between the coupling member and the control element, such that the control element is operable to slide along the handle tube so as to drive the coupling member to move.

Preferably, the engaging member is formed with an elongated guiding hole having a first end proximate to the positioning holes, and a second end distal from the positioning holes. The handle height adjusting mechanism may further includes a pin that extends through the elongated guiding hole, that is adapted to be coupled to the handle tube, and that is biased toward one of the first end and the second end of the elongated guiding hole due to biasing action of the resilient member on the coupling member.

Preferably, the elongated guiding hole is disposed to extend substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

Preferably, the coupling member is adapted to be connected slidably to the handle tube, and is slidable between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the coupling member is formed with an elongated guiding hole that is disposed to be inclined relative to the axial direction. The handle height adjusting mechanism further includes a pin that extends through the elongated guiding hole, and that is coupled to the engaging member.

Preferably, the resilient member is a compression spring that has two ends adapted to abut respectively against the handle tube and the coupling member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle for a stroller. The stroller includes a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes. The handle includes a handle, a coupling member, an actuating member, an engaging member, and a resilient member. The handle tube is adapted to extend movably relative to the frame tube. The coupling member is disposed on the handle tube. The actuating member is disposed movably on the handle tube, and is coupled to the coupling member for driving movement of the coupling member. The engaging member is connected to the coupling member. The resilient member is coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, where the engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.

Preferably, one of the handle tube and the engaging member is formed with an elongated guiding hole having a first end proximate to the positioning holes, and a second end distal from the positioning holes. The handle further includes a pin that extends through the elongated guiding hole, that is coupled to the other one of the handle tube and the engaging member, and that is biased toward one of the first and second ends of the elongated guiding hole due to biasing action of the resilient member on the coupling member.

Preferably, the coupling member is pivoted to the handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the engaging member is pivoted to the coupling member.

Preferably, the handle tube includes a tube portion that is adapted to extend movably relative to the frame tube, and a housing portion that is connected to the tube portion. The coupling member is disposed on the housing portion.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stroller that includes a frame tube, a handle tube, and a handle height adjusting mechanism. The frame tube has a plurality of positioning holes. The handle tube extends movably relative to the frame tube. The handle height adjusting mechanism includes a coupling member, an engaging member, and a resilient member. The coupling member is disposed on the handle tube. The engaging member is connected to the coupling member. The resilient member is coupled to the coupling member for biasing the coupling member to a first position, such that the engaging member engages a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube. The actuating member is operable to move the coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of the resilient member, such that the engaging member is removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube.

Preferably, the handle height adjusting mechanism further includes an actuating member that is disposed movably on the handle tube, and that is coupled to the coupling member for driving movement of the coupling member between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the coupling member is pivoted to the handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the coupling member is connected slidably to the handle tube, and is slidable between the first and second positions.

Preferably, the handle tube includes a tube portion that extends movably into the frame tube, and a housing portion that is connected to the tube portion. The coupling member is disposed on the housing portion.

The advantages and effects of the handle height adjusting mechanism of the present invention lie in the following. Through engagement between the engaging member and the selected one of the positioning holes in the frame tube, the handle tube can be locked at a selected height relative to the frame tube. The control element, which is disposed at a distance away from the coupling member, and which is connected to the coupling member via the connecting cable, may be operated to change the coupling member between the first and second positions so as to remove the engaging member from the selected one of the positioning holes. In addition, engagement between the engaging member and the selected one of the positioning holes is maintained by virtue of the biasing action of the resilient member when no user applied forces are present. Therefore, the handle height adjusting mechanism of the present invention has a simpler structure as compared to the prior art, is easier and requires less effort to operate, and facilitates control by the user at a distance so as to adjust the height of the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, illustrating a stroller according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view, illustrating a handle height adjusting mechanism disposed in a handle tube according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle height adjusting mechanism according to the first preferred embodiment, illustrating assembly relationships among a coupling member, an actuating member, an engaging member, and a resilient member;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle height adjusting mechanism according to the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the handle height adjusting mechanism of the first preferred embodiment at a first position, where the engaging member engages a selected positioning hole, and the handle tube is arrested from moving relative to the frame tube;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the first preferred embodiment at a second position, where the engaging member is removed from the selected positioning hole, and movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube is permitted;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view, illustrating the handle height adjusting mechanism disposed in the handle tube according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the handle height adjusting mechanism according to the second preferred embodiment, illustrating assembly relationships among the coupling member, the actuating member, the engaging member and the resilient member;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the handle height adjusting mechanism of the second preferred embodiment at a first position, where the engaging member engages a selected positioning hole, and the handle tube is arrested from moving relative to the frame tube;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the second preferred embodiment at a second position, where the engaging member is removed from the selected positioning hole, and movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube is permitted;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, illustrating the handle height adjusting mechanism disposed in the handle tube according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the handle height adjusting mechanism of the third preferred embodiment at a first position, where the engaging member engages a selected positioning hole, and the handle tube is arrested from moving relative to the frame tube;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating the coupling member of the third preferred embodiment at a second position, where the engaging member is removed from the selected positioning hole, and movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube is permitted; and

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary partly sectional view, illustrating a pin being formed integrally with the coupling member according to the third preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

Shown inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 is astroller100 incorporating a handleheight adjusting mechanism4 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thestroller100 includes twoframe tubes1 that are parallel to each other, twohandle tubes2, and two of the handleheight adjusting mechanisms4. Each of thehandle tubes2 includes atube portion21 that extends movably into an upper segment of a corresponding one of theframe tubes1, ahousing portion22 that is connected to a lower part of thetube portion21, and ahandle portion23 that is connected to an upper part of thetube portion21 for holding by a user. Each of the handleheight adjusting mechanisms4 is disposed in a corresponding one of thehandle tubes2 for facilitating adjustment of a height of the corresponding one of thehandle tubes2 relative to a corresponding one of theframe tubes1, and to lock the corresponding one of thehandle tubes2 at a selected height/position relative to the corresponding one of theframe tubes1. It should be noted herein that the handleheight adjusting mechanism4 of the present invention may also be applied to other types of carriages, and is not limited to the application on a stroller as disclosed herein.

For simplicity of illustration, it is assumed that thestroller100 includes only oneframe tube1, onehandle tube2, and one handleheight adjusting mechanism4 in the following description.

With reference toFIG. 2,FIG. 3 andFIG. 4, theframe tube1 has a plurality of positioning holes11 that are spaced apart from each other in an axial direction, and that are rectangular in shape. Thehousing portion22 of thehandle tube2 is partially disposed in and partially exposed from thetube portion21. Thehousing portion22 includes a firstouter housing221, and a secondouter housing222 that is coupled to the firstouter housing221, and that cooperates with the firstouter housing221 to define aninner handle space223. Thehousing portion22 has anextension hole224 in spatial communication with theinner housing space223. The first and secondouter housings221,222 correspond to each other in structure, and each of the first and secondouter housings221,222 includes anelongated guiding hole225 and apivot hole228. Theelongated guiding hole225 has afirst end226 proximate to theextension hole224 and the positioning holes11, and asecond end227 distal from theextension hole224 and the positioning holes11.

The handleheight adjusting mechanism4 includes acoupling member41, an actuatingmember42, an engagingmember43, and aresilient member44. Thecoupling member41 is disposed in theinner handle space223. The actuatingmember42 is disposed movably on thehandle tube2, and is coupled to thecoupling member41 for driving movement of thecoupling member41. The engagingmember43 is movable disposed in theinner handle space223, is extendable through theextension hole224 to engage a selected one of the positioning holes11, and is driven by thecoupling member41. Theresilient member44 is coupled to thecoupling member41 for biasing thecoupling member41 to a first position, where the engagingmember43 engages the selected one of the positioning holes11 so as to arrest movement of thehandle tube2 relative to theframe tube1. The actuatingmember42 is operable to move thecoupling member41 from the first position to a second position against biasing action of theresilient member44, such that the engagingmember43 is removed from the selected one of the positioning holes11 so as to permit movement of thehandle tube2 relative to theframe tube1.

In this embodiment, the engagingmember43 is shaped as a plate, one end of which is extendable through theextension hole224 for engagement with the selected one of the positioning holes11, and the other end of which is formed with a throughhole431 for extension of aslide pin45 therethrough. Thecoupling member41 has apivot hole411 for extension of apivot pin46 therethrough, is formed with afirst receiving space412 with anopening413 for permitting insertion of the engagingmember43 into thefirst receiving space412, and two mountingholes414 in spatial communication with thefirst receiving space412 for extension of theslide pin45 therethrough. Thepivot pin46 extends in sequence through thepivot hole228 in one of the first and secondouter housings221,222, thepivot hole411 in thecoupling member41 and thepivot hole228 in the other one of the first and secondouter housings221,222 such that thecoupling member41 is pivoted to thehousing portion22, and is pivotable between the first and second positions. Theslide pin45 extends in sequence through the elongated guidinghole225 in one of the first and secondouter housings221,222, one of the mountingholes414 in thecoupling member41, the throughhole431 in the engagingmember43, the other one of the mountingholes414 in thecoupling member41, and the elongated guidinghole225 in the other one of the first and secondouter housings221,222 such that the engagingmember43 is slidable coupled to thehousing portion22 and is pivoted to thecoupling member41. The firstouter housing221 further includes two guidingparts229 that are disposed proximate to theextension hole224 and that respectively abut against opposite sides of the engagingmember43. As a result, when thecoupling member41 is pivoted between the first and second positions relative to thehousing portion22 about thepivot pin46, theslide pin45 is brought to move along the elongated guidingholes225 between the first and second ends226,227 such that the engagingmember43 is movable between an engaging position (as shown inFIG. 5) and a disengaging position (as shown inFIG. 6) relative to thehousing portion22 within the confines as defined by the guidingparts229.

The firstouter housing221 is further formed with a surroundingwall230 that surrounds thepivot hole228. In this embodiment, theresilient member44 is a torsion spring (given the same reference numeral as the resilient member44) having two ends that are respectively coupled to thehandle tube2 and thecoupling member41. Specifically, thetorsion spring44 is substantially received in a second receiving space415 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6) in thecoupling member41, is coupled to thepivot pin46, and is restrained in position by the surroundingwall230. In other words, the surroundingwall230 prevents wobbling of thepivot pin46 and thetorsion spring44. Moreover, one end of thetorsion spring44 is coupled to aprotrusion231 of the firstouter housing221, and the other end of thetorsion spring44 is received in a first engaging groove416 (seeFIG. 4) in thecoupling member41.

As best shown inFIG. 2, in this embodiment, the actuatingmember42 includes acontrol element421, a connectingcable422, and arivet423. Thecontrol element421 is mounted slidably to thehandle tube2. Therivet423 extends into agroove24 that extends along the axial direction in thehandle tube2. The connectingcable422 is disposed within thehandle space223, is connected to thecontrol element421 by therivet423, and is coupled to thecoupling member41, such that thecontrol element421 is operable to slide along thehandle tube2 so as to bring the connectingcable422 to move relative to thehousing portion22 to thereby change thecoupling member41 between the first and second positions. The connectingcable422 is a steel cable, one end of which is connected to therivet423, and the other end of which extends through an opening232 (seeFIG. 3) in thehousing portion22 and is received in a secondengaging groove417 in thecoupling member41. Consequently, when thecontrol member421 slides along thehandle tube2, therivet423 is brought to slide in thegroove24, such that the connectingcable422 is pulled by therivet423 to bring thecoupling member41 to pivot about thepivot pin46.

With reference toFIG. 2,FIG. 4 andFIG. 5, due to the biasing action of theresilient member44 on thecoupling member41, theslide pin45 is biased toward one of the first and second ends226,227 of the elongated guidinghole225. In this embodiment, theslide pin45 is biased toward thefirst end226 of the elongated guidinghole225, such that therivet423 is biased toward a lower end of the groove24 (i.e., towards the lower left ofFIG. 2) . At this time, the engagingmember43 engages the selected one of the positioning holes11 so as to arrest movement of thehandle tube2 relative to theframe tube1 to thereby lock thehandle tube2 at a desired height/position relative to theframe tube1.

With reference toFIG. 2 andFIG. 6, when it is desired to adjust the height of thehandle tube2 relative to theframe tube1, the user needs to pull thecontrol element421 of the actuatingmember42 in a direction shown by arrow (I) inFIG. 2 so as to move the connectingcable422 in the same direction, which in turn moves thecoupling member41 to pivot from the first position to the second position about thepivot pin46 in a direction shown by arrow (II) inFIG. 6. As thecoupling member41 pivots about thepivot pin46 in the direction shown by arrow (II), theslide pin45 slides in the elongated guidinggroove225 from thefirst end226 toward thesecond end227, and the engagingmember43 moves in a direction shown by arrow (III) inFIG. 6. When theslide pin45 is disposed at thesecond end227 of the elongated guidinggroove225, the engagingmember43 is disengaged from the selected one of the positioning holes11, such that adjustment to the relative location of thehandle tube2 and theframe tube1 is permitted. Once the user moves thehandle tube2 to a desired height/position relative to theframe tube1, the user only has to release thecontrol element421 to allow the biasing action of theresilient member44 to take effect in order for the engagingmember43 to move in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow (III) so as to engage one of the positioning holes11 that corresponds to the desired height to thereby lock thehandle tube2 relative to theframe tube1 at the desired height. Through the design of thecontrol element421 and the connectingcable422, the user can conveniently adjust the relative positions of thehandle tube2 and theframe tube1 at a distance from the engagingmember43. Moreover, when thehandle tube2 is moved to the lowest position relative to theframe tube1, the size of the stroller100 (as shown inFIG. 1) can be reduced to facilitate storage or packaging.

It should be noted herein that, in this embodiment, the pivoting connection between the couplingmember41 and the engagingmember43, and the design of thecontrol element421 and the connectingcable422 of the actuatingmember42 cooperate to permit the user to control engagement/disengagement between the engagingmember43 and the selected one of the positioning holes11 by simply operating thecontrol element421 to pull the connectingcable422 to in turn pivot thecoupling member41 about thepivot pin46 so as to move the engagingmember43 between the engaging and disengaging positions. Moreover, since the frictional coefficients among the elements of the handleheight adjusting mechanism4 are small, it is easier and more effortless for the user to operate the handleheight adjusting mechanism4.

With reference toFIG. 7,FIG. 8 andFIG. 9, the handleheight adjusting mechanism4′ according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the handleheight adjusting mechanism4 of the first preferred embodiment. The differences between the first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment basically lie in the designs of thehousing portion22′, thecoupling member41′ and the engagingmember43′.

The engagingmember43′ is formed with agroove432 defined by twoteeth436. Thecoupling member41′ has aprotrusion418 that is disposed movably in thegroove432. Instead of the elongated guidinghole225, each of the first and secondouter housings221′,222′ of the second preferred embodiment is formed with around hole225′ for extension of theslide pin45 therethrough. In addition, the engagingmember43′ is formed with anelongated guiding hole433 having afirst end434 proximate to theextension hole224 and the positioning holes11, and asecond end435 distal from theextension hole224 and the positioning holes11, and extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Theslide pin45 extends in sequence through theround hole225′ in one of the first and secondouter housings221′,222′, the elongated guidinghole433 in the engagingmember43′, and theround hole225′ in the other one of the first and secondouter housings221′,222′ such that the engagingmember43′ is slidable coupled to thehousing portion22′. Theslide pin45 is biased toward thesecond end435 of the guidinghole433 due to biasing action of theresilient member44 on thecoupling member41′.

With reference toFIG. 7 andFIG. 10, when it is desired to adjust the height of thehandle tube2′ relative to theframe tube1, the user needs to pull thecontrol element421 of the actuatingmember42 in the direction shown by arrow (I) so as to move the connectingcable422 in the same direction, which in turn moves thecoupling member41′ to pivot from the first position to the second position about thepivot pin46 in the direction shown by arrow (II). As thecoupling member41′ pivots about thepivot pin46 in the direction shown by arrow (II) against biasing action of theresilient member44, the engagingmember43′ is brought to move in the direction shown by arrow (III) inFIG. 10 due to the engagement between theprotrusion418 of thecoupling member41′ and thegroove432 in the engagingmember43′ (i.e., due to theprotrusion418 moving an upper one of the teeth436) such that theslide pin45 switches from abutting against thesecond end435 of the elongated guiding hole433 (as shown inFIG. 9) to abutting against thefirst end434 of the elongated guiding hole433 (as shown inFIG. 10), and such that the engagingmember43′ is moved from the engaging position (as shown inFIG. 9) toward the disengaging position (as shown inFIG. 10) relative to thehousing portion22′ within the confines defined by the guidingparts229. When the engagingmember43′ is disposed at the disengaging position, adjustment to the relative locations of thehandle tube2′ and theframe tube1 is permitted. Once the user moves thehandle tube2′ to a desired height relative to theframe tube1, upon release of thecontrol element421, the biasing action of theresilient member44 moves thecoupling member41′ to pivot in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow (II), such that theprotrusion418 of thecoupling member41′ coupled movably to thegroove432 of the engagingmember43′ pushes a lower one of theteeth436, such that the engagingmember43′ moves in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow (III) inFIG. 10 to engage one of the positioning holes11 that corresponds to the desired height so as to lock thehandle tube2′ at the desired height.

With reference toFIG. 11,FIG. 12 andFIG. 13, the handleheight adjusting mechanism4″ according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the handleheight adjusting mechanism4 of the first preferred embodiment. The differences between the first preferred embodiment and the third preferred embodiment mainly lie in the designs of thehousing portion22″, thecoupling member41″, and theresilient member44″.

According to the third preferred embodiment, the firstouter housing221″ of thehousing portion22″ is formed with arectangular groove251. Thecoupling member41″ is rectangular in shape, is connected slidably to thehandle tube2″, and is slidable between the first and second positions within therectangular groove251. Thecoupling member41″ is formed with anelongated guiding hole471 that is disposed to be inclined relative to the axial direction. Theelongated guiding hole471 has afirst end472 proximate to theextension hole224, and asecond end473 distal from theextension hole224. Theslide pin45 extends through the elongated guidinghole471 in thecoupling member41″ and the throughhole431 in the engagingmember43 so as to be coupled to the engagingmember43. Theresilient member44″ is a compression spring (given the same reference numeral as theresilient member44″) in this embodiment, and has two ends respectively abutting against thehandle tube2″ and thecoupling member41″. Theslide pin45 is biased toward thefirst end472 of the elongated guidinghole471 due to biasing action of thecompression spring44″ on thecoupling member41″. At this time, the engagingmember43 engages the selected one of the positioning holes11 so as to arrest movement of thehandle tube2″ relative to theframe tube1 to thereby lock thehandle tube2″ at a desired height/position relative to theframe tube1. It should be noted herein that, in practice, theslide pin45 may be integrally formed on the engagingmember43 as illustrated inFIG. 14.

When it is desired to adjust the height of thehandle tube2″ relative to theframe tube1, the user needs to pull thecontrol element421 of the actuatingmember42 in the direction shown by arrow (I) so as to move the connectingcable422 in the same direction, which in turn moves thecoupling member41″ from the first position toward the second position to slide in therectangular groove251 in the same direction against biasing action of thecompression spring44″. As thecoupling member41″ slides in the direction shown by arrow (I), theslide pin45 is forced to slide in the elongated guidinggroove471 from thefirst end472 toward thesecond end473 so as to move the engagingmember43 in the direction shown by arrow (III). When theslide pin45 is disposed at thesecond end473 of the elongated guidinggroove471, the engagingmember43 is disengaged from the selected one of the positioning holes11 (as shown inFIG. 13) , such that adjustment to the relative locations of thehandle tube2″ and theframe tube1 is permitted. Once the user moves thehandle tube2″ to a desired height relative to theframe tube1, the user only has to release thecontrol element421 to allow the biasing action of thecompression spring44″ to move thecoupling member41″ in the direction opposite to that shown by arrow (I), which in turn forces theslide pin45 to slide from thesecond end473 of the elongated guidinggroove471 toward thefirst end472 and brings the engagingmember43 back into engagement with a corresponding one of the positioning holes11 (as shown inFIG. 12).

In this embodiment, through coupling thecoupling member41″ and the engagingmember43 via the design of theslide pin45 and the elongated guidinghole471, and through the design of thecontrol element421 and the connectingcable422 of the actuatingmember42, the user is able to control engagement/disengagement between the engagingmember43 and the selected one of the positioning holes11 by simply controlling thecontrol element421 to pull the connectingcable422 to in turn cause thecoupling member41″ to slide in therectangular groove251 so as to move the engagingmember43 between engaging and disengaging positions. Since the frictional coefficients among the elements of the handleheight adjusting mechanism4″ are small, it is easier (or more effortless) for the user to operate the handleheight adjusting mechanism4″.

To sum up, the handleheight adjusting mechanism4,4′,4″ of the present invention utilizes the engagingmember43 to extend through theextension hole224 in thehousing portion22,22′,22″ and engage a selected one of the positioning holes11 in theframe tube1 such that thehandle tube2,2′,2″ is fixed at a corresponding selected height/position relative to theframe tube1.

Through operating thecontrol element421 of the actuatingmember42, thecoupling member41,41′,41″ is moved to in turn remove the engagingmember43 from engagement with the selected one of the positioning holes11. In addition, with the biasing action of theresilient member44,44″, the engagingmember43 is forced to move back into engagement with the selected one of the positioning holes11 due to coupling between the couplingmember41,41′,41″ and the engagingmember43 when no user applied forces are present. As such, the height of thehandle tube2,2′,2″ relative to theframe tube1 can be easily and effortlessly adjusted.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A handle height adjusting mechanism for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, and a handle tube that extends movably relative to the frame tube, said handle height adjusting mechanism comprising:

a coupling member adapted to be disposed on the handle tube;

an actuating member adapted to be disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said coupling member is adapted to be pivoted to the handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

2. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said resilient member is a torsion spring having two ends that are respectively adapted to be coupled to the handle tube and said coupling member.

3. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said engaging member is pivoted to said coupling member.

4. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said engaging member is formed with a groove defined by two teeth, and said coupling member has a protrusion that is disposed movably in said groove.

5. A handle height adjusting mechanism for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, and a handle tube that extends movably relative to the frame tube, said handle height adjusting mechanism comprising:

a coupling member adapted to be disposed on the handle tube;

an actuating member adapted to be disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member includes a control element adapted to be mounted slidably to the handle tube, and a connecting cable adapted to be disposed within the handle tube and connected between said coupling member and said control element, such that said control element is operable to slide along the handle tube so as to drive said coupling member to move.

6. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 1,

wherein said engaging member is formed with an elongated guiding hole having a first end proximate to the positioning holes, and a second end distal from the positioning holes, said handle height adjusting mechanism further comprising a pin that extends through said elongated guiding hole, that is adapted to be coupled to the handle tube, and that is biased toward said second end of said elongated guiding hole due to biasing action of said resilient member on said coupling member.

7. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 6, wherein said elongated guiding hole is disposed to extend substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

8. A handle height adjusting mechanism for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of holes, and a handle tube that extends movably relative to the frame tube, said handle height adjusting mechanism comprising:

a coupling member adapted to he disposed on the handle tube;

an actuating member adapted to be disposed movably on the handle tube, and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of the handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said coupling member is adapted to be connected slidably to the handle tube, and is slidable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to said handle tube.

9. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 8, wherein said coupling member is formed with an elongated guiding hole that is disposed to be inclined relative to the axial direction, said handle height adjusting mechanism further comprising a pin that extends through said elongated guiding hole, and that is coupled to said engaging member.

10. The handle height adjusting mechanism as claimed inclaim 8, wherein said resilient member is a compression spring that has two ends adapted to abut respectively against the handle tube and said coupling member.

11. A handle for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, said handle comprising:

a handle tube adapted to extend movably relative to the frame tube;

a coupling member disposed on said handle tube;

an actuating member disposed movably on said handle tube, and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said coupling member is adapted to be connected slidably to the handle tube, and is slidable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to said handle tube.

12. The handle as claimed inclaim 11,

wherein one of said handle tube and said engaging member is formed with an elongated guiding hole having a first end proximate to the positioning holes, and a second end distal from the positioning holes, said handle further comprising a pin that extends through said elongated guiding hole, that is coupled to the other one of said handle tube and said engaging member, and that is biased toward one of said first and second ends of said elongated guiding hole due to biasing action of said resilient member on said coupling member.

13. The handle as claimed inclaim 12, wherein said coupling member is pivoted to the handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

14. A handle for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, said handle comprising:

a handle tube adapted to extend movably relative to the frame tube;

a coupling member disposed on said handle tube;

an actuating member disposed movably on said handle tube and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said engaging member is pivoted to said coupling member.

15. The handle as claimed inclaim 11, wherein said handle tube includes a tube portion that is adapted to extend movably relative to said frame tube, and a housing portion that is connected to said tube portion, said coupling member being disposed on said housing portion.

16. A stroller, comprising:

a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes;

a handle tube that extends movably relative to said frame tube; and

a handle height adjusting mechanism that includes

a coupling member disposed on said handle tube,

an engaging member connected to said coupling member, and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, such that said engaging member engages a selected one of said positioning holes so as to arrest movement of said handle tube relative to said frame tube,

said coupling member being movable from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is removed from the selected one of said positioning holes so as to permit movement of said handle tube relative to said frame tube;

wherein said handle tube includes a tube portion that extends movably into said frame tube, and a housing portion that is connected to said tube portion, said coupling member being disposed on said housing portion.

17. The stroller as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said handle height adjusting mechanism further includes an actuating member that is disposed movably on said handle tube, and that is coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member between the first and second positions.

18. The stroller as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said coupling member is pivoted to said handle tube, and is pivotable between the first and second positions.

19. The stroller as claimed inclaim 16, wherein said coupling member is connected slidably to said handle tube, and is slidable between the first and second positions.

20. A handle for a stroller including a frame tube that has a plurality of positioning holes, said handle comprising:

a handle tube adapted to extend movably relative to the frame tube;

a coupling member disposed on said handle tube;

an actuating member mounted slidably to said handle tube, and coupled to said coupling member for driving movement of said coupling member;

an engaging member connected to said coupling member; and

a resilient member coupled to said coupling member for biasing said coupling member to a first position, where said engaging member is adapted to engage a selected one of the positioning holes so as to arrest movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube;

wherein said actuating member is operable to move said coupling member from the first position to a second position against biasing action of said resilient member, such that said engaging member is adapted to be removed from the selected one of the positioning holes so as to permit movement of said handle tube relative to the frame tube.

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